Today is Fat Tuesday. What does that mean?

You may hear people calling Tuesday, Feb. 17, Mardi Gras, a nod to the festival's Christian European heritage. "Mardi Gras," is French for Fat Tuesday, symbolizing the day's association with rich, fatty feasts, one last time to splurge before the start of Lent, according to History.com.

A sign reading “Paczki Day” is seen during the Detroit City Distillery’s annual Paczki Day Vodka event in Detroit on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.

In Michigan, a stop at local bakeries to grab paczki, the beloved jelly- or cream-filled Polish pastry, has become a Fat Tuesday staple. Revelers often enjoy an evening of music, dancing and drinks, many opting to dress up in colorful costumes and masks.

For many Christian communities across the state, Wednesday, Feb. 18, will mark Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, prayer and charity culminating in Easter.

Here's what to know about Fat Tuesday.

Is it Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras?

Well, both.

Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday, the name symbolizing a European Christian custom of splurging on rich foods like meat, eggs and dairy ahead of Lent — a period marked by fasting, according to History.com.

The tradition has ancient roots in pre-Christian European spring celebrations, with the Church later adopting it as a Christian practice.

When is Fat Tuesday in 2026?

Fat Tuesday is Feb. 17, 2026.

How is Fat Tuesday celebrated?

The festival day is filled with celebration, one day before the start of Lent in Christian tradition, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. The day often features parades, music, costumes, meals and more.

In Michigan, metro Detroit's Fat Tuesday is marked by a longstanding tradition — enjoying paczki. The Polish fruit- or cream-filled pastries are a beloved treat on the festival day, found at local grocers and bakeries.

Fat Tuesday marks the end of Carnival, a pre-Lenten period of festivities that begins on Jan. 6, Epiphany day, the Almanac noted. In Brazil, the Carnival festival takes place over five days leading up to Ash Wednesday with massive parades and other events.

When is Lent?

Why ashes on the forehead?

This tradition has its roots in the Old Testament, where wearing ashes was a sign of repentance for sins, and a sign of one’s humility before God, according to the Catholic Current, a publication of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. "Since Lent is a season of penitential renewal through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, it’s appropriate that this ancient sign marks the beginning of the season," the Current said.

What is Lent?

Lent is a 40-day Christian period leading up to Easter, the holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ in the Christian faith.

Where can you celebrate in Michigan?

Here are events throughout Michigan:

• Mardi Gras in Corktown: Lager House in Detroit's Corktown will host a Mardi Gras event from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 17. Ticket prices vary and the event will feature appetizers and a cash bar.
• Mardi Gras in Grand Rapids: Carnival: A Mardi Gras Dance Party will run from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Feb. 21 at the Imperial Ballroom at Amway Grand Plaza in west Michigan's Grand Rapids. Attendees can enjoy music and dancing with DJs, and on the second-floor VIP, a private bar.
• Mardi Gras on Crystal Mountain: Crystal Mountain in northwest Michigan's Thompsonville will feature Mardi Gras activities and events Feb. 17. The day's lineup will include a southern-themed barbecue meal, a scavenger hunt, live music, promotions, outdoor laser tag and more.
• Celebrate at U-M: University of Michigan's Michigan Dining will offer Mardi Gras-themed eats at its Ann Arbor campus from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 17. Prices for the holiday meal will vary depending on meal plan status.
• Mardi Gras Auction in Saginaw: The Child Abuse and Neglect Council, or CAN Council, will host its 32nd annual Mardi Gras Auction at the Horizons Conference Center in Saginaw from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Feb. 27. The event will include a southern-inspired meal, New Orleans-style entertainment, and silent and live auction. Proceeds will go toward child abuse prevention, intervention and advocacy in Saginaw County.

Detroit Free Press contributed.